Lerici, 28 March 2010 - Lanfranco Cirillo on Fantastica has victoriously won the first event of the 2010 Audi Melges 32 Sailing Series, which ended today with only one race in Lerici, Italy.

Fantastica, in three days did nothing wrong and are now considered the law in force within the Melges 32 fleet championed by none other than owner Cirillo. Tactician Michele Paoletti, over the course of seven races placed the boat in front of the fleet, but what was most impressive was the cool, calm and collected determination and ability to always put them in the upmost favor of the finish line. Fantastica also seems to have a distinct advantage with the two-year long-term assistance of professionals Dede De Luca and Stefano Rizzi. They appear to be bigger weapons in the line-up of Cirillo’s crew and the object of desire for their opponents.

Up against the overwhelming power of Fantastica, Mauro Mocchegiani’s Rush Diletta with new tactician Matteo Ivaldi proved to be solid and consistent finding themselves on the podium in second overall, 13 points behind Cirillo.

Finishing third overall is defending 2009 Audi Sailing Series Champion Carlo Alberini on Calvi Network, just ahead of Filippo Pacinotti’s Brontolo in fourth. Pacinotti was left smiling in the last race of the day. The light breezes provided the trickiest of conditions, however the Cassinari brothers navigated with confidence while the team awaits the return of Freddy Loof from training.

In fifth overall was Luca Lalli on B Lin Sailing.com with Lorenzo Bressani proving to be the best rookie tactician within the fleet. After a great first day, a 2-3-3 Lalli steadily fell off the pace finishing twelfth in the final race of the event. Although falling from second to fifth is less than Lalli’s expectation, it proves they have what it takes to be a major player in the 2010 Melges 32 Sailing Series.

Lerici has marked a great start for the Melges 32. All eyes now turn to April 17, where the first event will commence for the Audi Melges 20, guaranteed to be as spectacular as this one.